Types of Contour Makeup: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to makeup, contouring has become a popular technique to enhance your facial features. By using a darker shade of makeup to create shadows and a lighter shade to highlight, you can create the illusion of a more defined and sculpted face. But with so many types of contour makeup available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you.
What is Contouring Makeup? How Does Contouring Change Your Face?
Contouring makeup is a technique used to enhance and sculpt your facial features using makeup products that are darker or lighter than your skin tone. The purpose of contouring is to create the illusion of shadows and highlights on your face, which can help to accentuate your best features and create a more defined, chiseled look.
Contouring makeup can be used to change the appearance of your face in a variety of ways. For example, contouring can help to:
- Slim down the appearance of your nose
- Define and lift your cheekbones
- Create a more defined jawline
- Make your forehead appear smaller
- Create the illusion of fuller lips
By strategically placing darker and lighter shades of makeup on your face, you can create the illusion of depth and dimension, which can help to transform your facial features.
It’s important to note that contouring makeup should be used in moderation, as too much can look unnatural and overdone. When done correctly, however, contouring can be a powerful tool for enhancing your natural beauty and creating a more polished, put-together look.
The Different Types of Contour Makeup
When it comes to contouring, there are several types of makeup products you can use to achieve a sculpted look. Here are the most popular types of contour makeup:
Cream Contour
Cream contour is a popular choice for those with dry or combination skin. This type of contour makeup comes in a cream or stick form and is applied with a brush or sponge. Cream contour is great for blending and can be built up for a more dramatic look. It’s also easy to use for beginners, as it’s forgiving and can be blended out if you make a mistake.
Powder Contour
Powder contour is a great option for those with oily skin. This type of contour makeup comes in a powder form and is applied with a brush. Powder contour is great for setting liquid or cream foundation and can be used to add depth and dimension to the face. It’s also easy to build up for a more dramatic look.
Liquid Contour
Liquid contour is a popular choice for those who want a more natural, dewy finish. This type of contour makeup comes in a liquid form and is applied with a brush or sponge. Liquid contour is great for blending and can be built up for a more dramatic look. It’s also great for those with dry or combination skin, as it adds moisture to the skin.
Contour Stick
Contour stick is a convenient option for those who want to contour on-the-go. This type of contour makeup comes in a stick form and is applied directly to the face. Contour stick is great for beginners, as it’s easy to use and can be blended out with a brush or sponge. It’s also great for those who want a quick and easy contouring routine.
No matter which type of contour makeup you choose, make sure to choose a shade that matches your skin tone and blend it out well for a natural-looking finish.
How do I find the right contour shade?
When it comes to contour makeup, finding the right shade is crucial to achieving a flawless look. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect contour shade for your skin tone:
Determine your skin tone:
The first step to finding the right contour shade is to determine your skin tone. Are you fair, medium, or dark? This will help you narrow down the shades that will work best for you.
Choose a shade that’s two shades darker than your skin tone:
The general rule of thumb when it comes to contouring is to choose a shade that’s two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This will help create the illusion of shadows and depth on your face.
Consider your undertones:
It’s also important to consider your undertones when choosing a contour shade. If you have warm undertones, opt for a contour shade with warm undertones as well. If you have cool undertones, choose a cool-toned contour shade.
Test the shade:
Before committing to a contour shade, it’s important to test it out first. Apply a small amount to your jawline and blend it out to see how it looks against your skin tone. If it looks too dark or too light, try a different shade.
Don’t forget about texture:
The texture of your contour product is also important to consider. Cream contour products are great for achieving a natural, blended look, while powder contour products are better for a more defined, sculpted look.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect contour shade for your skin tone and achieve a flawless, sculpted look.
How to Apply Contour Makeup
Contouring is a makeup technique that can help define and sculpt your face. There are several types of contour makeup, including cream, powder, liquid, and contour sticks. Here’s how to apply each type of contour makeup:
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How to Contour makeup step-by-step
Choose a cream contour shade that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone.
Apply your foundation and concealer as usual. Use a small, dense brush to apply the cream contour to the areas you want to define, such as your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. If you’re using a concealer stick, you can apply it directly on your face.
Blend the contour using a damp beauty sponge or a clean brush.
Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
Remember, less is more when it comes to contouring. Start with a small amount of product and build up as needed. Blending is also key to achieving a natural-looking contour. Take your time and blend thoroughly for the best results.
The Best Contour Brushes
When it comes to contouring, the right brush can make all the difference in achieving a flawless, sculpted look. Here are some of the best contour brushes on the market:
1. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush
This brush is a fan favorite for a reason. Its tapered shape allows for precise application and blending, while the soft bristles ensure a seamless finish. It’s perfect for applying both powder and cream products.
2. Patrick Ta Contour Brush
Another top pick, this brush has a unique shape that makes it perfect for contouring the cheekbones, jawline, and nose. The bristles are soft and dense, allowing for easy blending and a natural-looking finish.
3. EcoTools Wonder Color Finish Brush
If you’re on a budget, this brush is a great option. It’s affordable, yet still delivers great results. The bristles are soft and fluffy, making it easy to apply and blend contour products.
4. Real Techniques Sculpting Brush
This brush is perfect for those who prefer a more dramatic contour. Its angled shape allows for precise application, while the dense bristles ensure a bold, sculpted look.
5. Tarte Cheek Brush
This brush is great for those who want a more subtle contour. Its fluffy bristles allow for a natural-looking finish, while the tapered shape makes it easy to apply and blend products.
No matter which brush you choose, make sure to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure a longer lifespan. With the right brush and technique, you can achieve a flawless, sculpted look that lasts all day.
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Do’s and Don’ts of Applying Contour Makeup
If you’re new to contouring, it can be a bit intimidating. But with a few simple tips, you can achieve a sculpted, defined look in no time. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when applying contour makeup:
Do’s
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- Choose the right shade: The key to successful contouring is choosing the right shade. Look for a color that’s two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This will create a subtle, natural-looking effect.
- Blend, blend, blend: Blending is essential when it comes to contouring. Use a brush or sponge to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless, natural-looking finish.
- Start with a light hand: It’s always better to start with a light hand and build up the color gradually. This will help you avoid any mistakes and give you more control over the final result.
- Focus on the right areas: Contouring is all about creating shadows and depth. Focus on the areas of your face that naturally have shadows, such as your cheekbones, temples, and jawline.
- Use the right tools: The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to contouring. Use a brush or sponge that’s specifically designed for contouring to achieve the best results.
Don’ts
- Don’t go too dark: Going too dark with your contour shade can make your makeup look harsh and unnatural. Stick to a shade that’s only a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.
- Don’t forget to blend: Blending is key when it comes to contouring. Make sure to blend out any harsh lines to create a seamless, natural-looking finish.
- Don’t apply too much product: Applying too much contour product can make your makeup look heavy and cakey. Start with a light hand and build up the color gradually.
- Don’t contour your entire face: Contouring is all about creating shadows and depth. Avoid contouring your entire face, as this can make your makeup look overdone and unnatural.
- Don’t forget to highlight: Highlighting is just as important as contouring when it comes to creating a sculpted, defined look. Use a light, shimmery highlighter to accentuate your features and create a natural-looking glow.
By keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can achieve a flawless, sculpted look with contour makeup. Remember to practice and experiment to find the techniques that work best for you.
Different Makeup Contouring Techniques
Contouring is a makeup technique that can help you enhance your facial features by creating shadows and highlights. There are different types of contouring techniques that you can use to achieve different results. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Cream Contouring: This technique involves using cream-based products to contour your face. Cream contouring is great for people with dry or combination skin because it blends easily and provides a natural finish. You can use a cream contour stick or palette to sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead.
- Powder Contouring: This technique involves using powder-based products to contour your face. Powder contouring is great for people with oily skin because it provides a matte finish. You can use a powder contour kit to create shadows and highlights on your face.
- Liquid Contouring: This technique involves using liquid-based products to contour your face. Liquid contouring is great for people with normal or combination skin because it provides a dewy finish. You can use a liquid contour product to sculpt your face and blend it with a beauty blender for a flawless finish.
- Bronzing: This technique involves using a bronzer to warm up your complexion and add depth to your face. Bronzing is great for people with fair skin because it can make you look sun-kissed. You can use a matte or shimmery bronzer to contour your cheekbones, forehead, and nose.
- Strobing: This technique involves using a highlighter to add luminosity to your face. Strobing is great for people who want a natural, glowing look. You can use a liquid or powder highlighter to accentuate your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
Remember, when it comes to contouring, less is more. Start with a small amount of product and build it up gradually. Use a light hand and blend well to avoid harsh lines. With practice, you can master different contouring techniques and achieve the look you want.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the different types of contour makeup, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Remember that contouring is all about creating the effect of shadow and light, so it is important to choose the right shade for your skin tone.
Remember that contouring is not necessary for every makeup look. It is a technique that can enhance your features and add dimension to your face, but it is ultimately up to you to decide if you want to include it in your routine.
With this knowledge, you can confidently choose the right contour makeup for your skin tone and type, and create a flawless, sculpted look that enhances your natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions: Types of contour
What type of contour is best for beginners?
If you’re new to contouring, it’s best to start with a powder contour. It’s easier to blend and build up gradually, providing a more natural look. Cream contour is more challenging to work with, and it requires more practice to get it right.
What are the differences between powder and cream contour?
Powder contour is easier to blend and build up gradually, providing a more natural look. Cream contour, on the other hand, provides a more dramatic look and requires more practice to get it right. It’s best suited for those with dry skin, while powder contour is best for those with oily skin.
What type of contour is best for beginners?
If you’re new to contouring, it’s best to start with a powder contour. It’s easier to blend and build up gradually, providing a more natural look. Cream contour is more challenging to work with, and it requires more practice to get it right.
What comes first contour, highlight or blush?
The order in which you apply your makeup products depends on the look you want to achieve. If you’re going for a natural look, apply your contour first, followed by your blush and highlighter. If you’re going for a more dramatic look, apply your highlighter first, followed by your contour and blush.
What is the difference between foundation and contour makeup?
Foundation is used to even out your skin tone and provide a base for your makeup. Contour makeup, on the other hand, is used to create shadows and definition on your face, enhancing your features.
How do you blend contour makeup, is powder or cream better for contouring?
To blend your contour makeup, use a blending brush or sponge to blend it out. Powder contour is easier to blend, while cream contour requires more practice to get it right. Ultimately, it depends on your skin type and the look you want to achieve.
